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Visiting Capitals easily shun three-goal deficit, defeat Panthers 5-4 (SO)




The Good: The Panthers played a high-tempo, positionally responsible game through thirty minutes.

The Bad: Florida allowed their opponent – who lost 7-4 one night earlier – to claw their way back from a 4-1 hole, gaining them access to an extra period and ultimately the shootout. In Sunrise.

The Good: Michael Frolik and Stephen Weiss each had a goal and assist.

The Bad: So did Jason Chimera, who brought the Caps out of their initial slumber. His Gordie Howe Hat Trick was swell, too.

The Good: Gregory Campbell netted his first goal of the season!

The Bad: Niklas Backstrom scored his 19th.

The Good: Panthers goaltender Tomas Vokoun played 64 Very Good minutes, with little help after the first period.

The Bad: Capitals netminder Jose Theodore had help after entering the game in relief of Michal Neuvirth, registering a perfect 35 minutes and 10 seconds.

The Good: Cats pick up a desperately needed point in the standings.

The Bad: Cats give up a desperately needed point in the standings.

To summarize: the Panthers did many things quite well, especially with their speed and “punch” in the first frame. After that? Washington awoke to the prospect of losing to dual “lesser” divisional rivals. Make no mistake: the Cats showed up to play, but the Caps arrived to win.

More in the a.m….

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